The Best Places to Visit in California for Major West Coast Wanderlust

California has a mind-numbing amount of places to visit and incredible attractions to see. From the winery-filled Napa Valley to the desert terrain in Death Valley National Park, not to mention cliffside beaches and charming coastal towns, the Golden State has it all. And while you're likely familiar with major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, here's a sprinkling of some of the other top places to visit in California.

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Palm Springs

This glam desert hideaway, once the stomping ground of Old Hollywood, is a must-visit for architectural buffs — it's known for its many mid-century modern buildings (tours are available). To see the valley's stunning mountainous terrain, hop on the Aerial Tramway and hike among gorges in nearby Indian Canyons.

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Emerald Bay — Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, the 22-mile-long lake in the Sierra Nevada, is a great place to visit to see one of the state's most beautiful bodies of water, Emerald Bay. To see this protected glacial bay, dotted with tiny Fannette Island in the middle, drive to Inspiration Point for a bird's-eye view, or hike the challenging Bay View Trail.

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Ojai

Located 90 minutes north of LA, Ojai is a bohemian enclave amid the hills of Ventura. Rent a bike and tool around the valley, stopping into art galleries and crystal shops, before pedaling past olive and citrus groves. You can also take a soak in a natural hot spring and dine in farm-to-table hotspots like the Farmer and the Cook.

If you've seen HBO's Big Little Lies, you probably Googled where it was filmed — those cliff-hugging backdrops are pretty impressive! The answer is Big Sur, home of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), one of the world's most famous scenic drives, and it's one of the top places to visit in the Golden State. The most jaw-dropping stretch is centered around the iconic 250-foot-high Bixby Bridge.

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La Jolla Cove — San Diego

La Jolla, an upscale seaside village in San Diego, is an Instagrammer's dream. One of the most photographed spots is La Jolla Cove, a small beach flanked by sea caves (accessible by kayak or foot, depending on the tides). Swim, snorkel, see sea lions sunning themselves, and stick around for an epic sunset.

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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

A fascinating place to visit in California is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This remote park, 2 hours northeast of San Diego, is rich with badlands, slot canyons, and cactus-lined hills, and as the state's first official Dark Sky Community, it's a prime stargazing spot — you'll see thousands of stars light up the night sky.

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Napa Valley

The Napa Valley, north of San Francisco, is home to more than 200 world-class wineries, ranging from boutique vineyards to sprawling estates. In addition, this wildly scenic 30-mile stretch of California Wine Country (primarily along Route 29), is dotted with farm-to-table restaurants, wine bars, farmers markets, and romantic inns.

If you're a fan of waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is not only one of the top places to visit in California, but in the world. This beloved national park in the Sierra Nevada is home to dozens of wow-worthy waterfalls, including the iconic 2,425-foot-high Yosemite Falls, which is actually three separate falls.

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Catalina Island

LA smog and congestion getting you down? Hop a ferry to Catalina Island, a laid-back getaway in the Channel Islands chain. Avalon, the main town, has a sailboat-dotted harbor and seafood restaurants like Bluewater Grill. Take a stroll along the waterfront to Descasno Beach, which has a trendy beach club open to the public.

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Mendocino Coast

The Mendocino Coast in northern California is known for its rugged coastline and sweeping Pacific views. Outdoor adventures include hiking the seaside trails in Mendocino Headlands State Park (keep an eye out for gray whales!), canoeing on the Big River estuary, and exploring famous area beaches, including Glass and Bowling Ball.

This seaside fishing village along California's central coast makes for an idyllic place to visit if you're seeking a low-key, stress-free getaway. The town's landmark is Morro Rock, a dome-shaped outcropping jutting into the bay, and you'll also find surf shops, art galleries, and seafood shacks selling local Pacific Gold oysters.

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Death Valley National Park

This national park in eastern California is home to North America’s lowest point, Badwater Basin (282 feet below sea level). In summer it's like a furnace — the world's highest recorded temperature was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in 1913. But don't worry, autumn through spring is a great time to visit and explore the park's sand dunes, canyons, and wildflower-studded trails.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea

When it comes to postcard-perfect seaside villages, it's hard to top Carmel. Not only does it have a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach (a dreamy spot to watch the sunset), but the town itself is immaculate. In addition to upscale boutiques and restaurants, you'll find several tasting rooms, including Caraccioli Cellars and Wrath Wines.

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Jill FergusTravel EditorJill has been the travel editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, showing her expertise on everything from the Best Rooftop Bars in NYC to the 30 Most Beautiful Cities in the World; the NYC native has previously worked at Travel & Leisure and has written articles for The New York Times, InStyle, Huffington Post, and Fodors.